It was with gratitude and appreciation that I read the top headline on the Aug. 9 newspaper, “Vt. ed chief roasts No Child policy.” Many thanks to our Education Secretary Rebecca Holcombe.

Having taught French, grades six through 12, I was appalled when No Child Left Behind became federal policy in 2001, appalled at the limits and consequences to be suffered by children, schools, communities, educators and education itself.

Not only can a school’s standing be shattered by a single child’s inability to meet strict and narrow standards, for whatever reason, but good teachers and principals can be lost and education itself can be left behind.

In a way, I suppose it’s an honor that nearly every school in our state is “low performing:” We have not caved in to a bizarre federal policy that can subject some children to discrimination and rob all children of the rich and well-rounded experience that education can — and should — be.